Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive

Overview

The Strymon Fairfax is designed to behave not like a traditional distortion pedal, but like a complete miniature Class A amplifier output stage rendered entirely in analog circuitry. Its inspiration comes from a rare 1960s tube device known for powering several classic rock recordings. Fairfax delivers harmonically rich, tube-like response with a highly dynamic feel, allowing your guitar’s natural character to shine while adding organic saturation, compression, and transformer-like warmth.

Its analog architecture recreates multiple tube stages and a functioning output transformer, powered by an internal high-voltage supply that boosts the incoming 9V signal to 40V. With controls for Drive, Level, and variable Sag, plus a Bright switch for dialing in top-end response, Fairfax covers a wide range of natural amp-like breakup—from smooth, touch-sensitive drive to spitting, gated textures at extreme Sag settings.

Highlights

• Fully analog recreation of a Class A tube output stage
• Emulates multiple tube stages and output transformer behavior
• Internal isolated power supply boosts input voltage to 40V
• Drive, Level, and Sag controls for detailed gain and feel shaping
• Bright switch for fine-tuning high-frequency response
• Wide dynamic range of amp-like drive tones
• Requires 9V DC, 500mA

Specifications

Body

• Format: Compact analog drive pedal
• Construction: Fully discrete analog circuit

Hardware

• Controls: Drive, Level, Sag
• Switches: Bright switch; footswitch for on/off
• Power: 9V DC, 500mA (not included)
  

Electronics

• Circuit Type: 100% analog, multi-stage tube-emulation circuit
• Features: Output transformer emulation; galvanically isolated internal power supply
• Input Voltage Conversion: Boosted internally to 40V

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

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